Overview
Future Cargo Reporting Model (FCRM) is an joint initiative of Australian Border Force (ABF) initiated under the Simplified Trade System (STS) reforms.
FCRM explores how government can get timely and accurate cargo information from industry. The initiative will help:
- effectively perform its border management responsibilities
- minimise regulatory burden on legitimate trade
- build a clearer, end-to-end picture of cargo movement through the clearance process
- make use of high-quality data and smarter reporting methods.
FCRM supports Australia's goal of maintaining a modern, trusted and efficient border. It will improve the quality, accessibility and timeliness of the cargo information collected from industry.
Scope for FCRM
FCRM is a design project. It will not:
- build new systems
- replace the Integrated Cargo System (ICS)
- change
the Customs Act 1901.
It focuses on developing a modern business model, ready to apply where there is an opportunity for reform at this scale.
The project's key priorities are to:
- identify needed cargo information is required, who should provide it, and at what stage during the cargo clearance process
- develop and assess a range of model options to inform the future business model when modernising the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
Main benefits
FCRM will help shape how cargo gets reported in the future by:
- reducing duplication and aligning government reporting requirements with industry practices
- enabling faster and more predictable border and biosecurity outcomes
- supporting international best practices in trade facilitation.
Future reporting opportunities
As part of our discovery work, we have identified some potential approaches to improve how cargo gets reported to the ABF. These ideas are early-stage and we may not include them all in the final reporting model. Each will need evaluation to ensure they maintain strong risk assessment capabilities.
How you can contribute
We encourage insights from all industry sectors involved in the importation and exportation of cargo.
This includes:
- importers and exporters
- customs brokers
- freight forwarders
- depot operators
- cargo terminal operators (CTOs)
- airlines
- shipping companies.
For more information refer to the
Future Cargo Reporting Model discussion paper
The FCRM team seeks practical, experience-based insights from industry to inform the design of a future cargo reporting model.
Your feedback will help us understand future capabilities and operating models. We will not publish individual submissions as part of the consultation process. However, we will publish an overview of feedback on this page.
Deadline
You should email submissions to
FCRM@abf.gov.au by 19:00 AEST on Monday 29 June 2026.
Contact us
Your knowledge and feedback are essential to designing a model that supports both regulatory integrity and trade efficiency. To share your views or to learn more, contact the project team at FCRM@abf.gov.au
